Candida: A Common Hospital Acquired Infection

Candida is recognized as a serious health risk.

Candida albicans is an opportunistic microorganism. Give it a chance, and it will do its best to spread as much as possible throughout the body. This is what the latest reports tell us about Candida albicans:

Is the fourth most common source of hospital-acquired infections. (1)

Is the # 1 most common opportunist infection of HIV-positive individuals. (2) (3)

Sticky Yeast Cells Can Become Widespread

Your hospital stay may not be as safe as you think! Eating fermented foods daily, like cultured vegetables made with the Veggie Culture Starter, can naturally increase your body's defense against opportunistic Candida, the fourth most common hospital-acquired infection.

The latest research on Candida albicans has found that it attaches to human cells by a certain binding protein, called Als (which stands for, “Agglutinin-like sequence”). Als is found on the surface of Candida. Als assists Candida yeast in:

Clumping together.

Adhering to damaged tissue.

This protein found on the surface of Candida is what makes it an opportunistic and “sticky” organism. Researchers speculate that the stickiness of Candida, to itself and to human tissue, is one reason why it so often and so easily invades the entire body. (4).

When Candida albicans infiltrates weakened or damaged tissue, such as what happens when the gut becomes permeable, it is able to move outside its native habitat. This is when Candida becomes a systemic infection. At this point, Candida becomes far more dangerous because the usual methods to keep it in check have been breached.

Are New Anti-Candida Drugs the Answer to Hospital Infections?

Because Candida has lately been recognized as a serious health threat, doctors are looking for drugs that block the sticky protein found on the surface of Candida cells. One study specifically investigated this protein. Dr. Paula Salgado, who led the study, tells us that:

"Most healthy women will have thrush or another mild yeast infection at some point in their lives, but what is less well known is that yeasts can be lethal and a major health concern for vulnerable hospital patients." (5)

New anti-fungal drugs are being developed to break down the sticky protein found in Candida.

Supporting the Body’s Natural Defenses

We must remember that Candida is opportunistic. Candida is found naturally within the digestive tract and along the vaginal walls. It populates these areas along with other microorganisms that are beneficial and friendly. As long as these healthy, beneficial microbes are kept at thriving numbers through a mostly alkaline diet and by consuming fermented foods on a daily basis, the inner ecology is balanced, and Candida albicans is kept in check.

One reason is simply a matter of space. Good microbes will naturally win out when fighting over space to colonize because the body favors their presence.

Another reason: Beneficial microbes produce short chain fatty acids. What is so special about short chain fatty acids? Some of them, especially those produced by good bacteria, are naturally antimicrobial. These fatty acids are so antimicrobial that they are even used in modern food processing as preservatives and antimicrobial agents.

Good microbes minimize tissue damage. This is because healthy bacteria can actually limit inflammation. The inflammatory response leads to tissue damage. Remember, damaged tissue is exactly where Candida albicans can grab hold and grow!

Ancient Foods That Support Your Body’s Natural Defenses

Fermentation is one of the oldest food preparations methods still in practice. It was traditionally used to preserve food. Fermentation also enhances the nutrient value of food. The beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods:

Have been shown to repair damaged intestinal tissue.

Manufacture their own antimicrobial agents that target harmful bacteria.

Minimize inflammation.

Communicate with the cells of our immune system.

Generate vitamins that our body uses.

Break down food particles and contribute enzymes to the digestive process.

Fermentation Gets Good Bacteria into the Gut

The Body Ecology Kefir Starter and the Veggie Starter are excellent ways to inoculate the gut with specific beneficial microorganisms. Innergy Biotic is an easy way to feed the healthy microflora in your gut.

The Body Ecology Core Program was designed by Donna Gates after 30 years of studying Candida and its effects on the body. It focuses on healing the gut, rebuilding digestive strength, cleansing toxins, and increasing nutrient absorption.

What to Remember Most About This Article:

Candida poses a serious risk to your health as an opportunistic microorganism. On top of that, Candida is the fourth most common cause of hospital-acquired infections. Candida attaches to human cells with a binding protein and sticks to human tissue to invade the entire body. Candida most often sticks to damaged tissue to cause a systemic infection.

To fight Candida, we must support the body's natural defenses by eating an alkaline diet and consuming fermented foods every day to support the digestive system with good bacteria. Good bacteria will minimize tissue damage and limit inflammation, making it difficult for Candida to overtake the body.

Product Recommendations:

Better Digestion, Boost Immunity

Kefir has many benefits, including better digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It has been known for thousands of years for its anti-aging and immune-enhancing properties.

Kefir is an ancient cultured food, rich in amino acids, enzymes, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and B vitamins. Kefir means "feel good" in Turkish, and that's just how you'll feel after drinking a glass in the morning! Easy and fun to make at home, it is superior to commercial yogurt. An absolute must after antibiotic use!

Unlike yogurt, kefir can actually colonize the intestinal tract and is simple and fun to make at home. To make kefir: Mix one packet with 1 quart of warm milk, cover and set at room temperature for 18-24 hours. Refrigerate and enjoy!

Each packet yields 1 quart of kefir, and can be reused up to 7 times. This means you can create 10 ½ gallons of kefir from one box!

Hi, Donna--I've been a fan since the late 90's and I have your BED book from that time, so I have a question: How do you feel about hemp seeds and oil on the diet? Also, I'm thinking of baking a gluten free bread using soaked almonds made into a flour, eggs, baking soda, coconut flour and coconut oil--would I still be within the diet? I'll eat it with my carrot/hijiki/ginger soup for breakfast.

I refer back to your BED book so often--it's like my encyclopedia! Thank you for all that you do!

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Information and statements regarding dietary supplements/products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is a result of years of practice and experience by the author. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this website.